The job market is more dynamic than ever. With what looks like a new exit from the crisis, workers are questioning themselves, repositioning themselves and… some are getting ready to quit their jobs, to take on more stimulating challenges or find a better work-life balance. Let’s take a look at how to do it right.
Some workers make their exit with a bang, as evidenced by this “trend” of filming their resignation and posting it on TikTok. Perhaps the most famous example is Shana Blackwell, a former Walmart employee who slammed the door via intercom.
In a recent post on LinkedIn, talent acquisition director Caroline Boyce had an important warning about how to announce a professional departure.
You will be remembered for the way you left, she warned. In the age of the big resignation, it’s important to remember that people have short memories,” she added, meaning that an employee’s accomplishments can be quickly overshadowed by a dramatic departure.
The director provided a few actions, in the form of a to-do list:
“Break the news orally (not via text message for goodness sake)”;
“Give notice that makes sense”;
“Be authentic in your reasons for leaving”;
“Don’t try to recruit your colleagues(!)”;
“Work hard until your last day”.
It is your professionalism that will be remembered!” she concluded.
That’s some sage advice.
Communicate without a middleman
In an advice article published on their website, Robert Half’s firm agrees, reminding us how important it is to break the news to your direct manager yourself.
You want to control how the news is delivered to your boss. If the information reaches his or her ears through a channel other than you – through office gossip and rumours – it becomes unprofessional and frankly insulting.”
At the time of the article’s writing in 2019, the authors suggested resigning in person. The equivalent today would be to schedule a Zoom meeting, at the very least.
Keep that meeting professional, the authors add. And above all, don’t give in to the temptation to vent about your job. While it’s fun to fantasize about a dramatic exit, it’s not advisable to improvise when explaining your reasons for leaving.”
To give the “real reasons” or not?
We are in an age where authenticity is highly valued. So, there should be room for an honest conversation around the real reasons for leaving – as Caroline Boyce suggests. However, resigning employees should keep in mind that they have nothing to gain by talking negatively about the company they are about to leave. Executive Coach Ron Carucci offers a tip, which helps avoid a stalemate:
Be clear that you are leaving because your career needs and goals have changed, he told HBR. Avoid sending the signal that your boss is the reason you are leaving (if that is the case). When you place the blame on someone you’re trying to negotiate a peaceful ending with, you risk getting burned and burning bridges. The last thing you want is to lose a positive reference, or worse, provoke a defensive reaction from your boss, who may decide to attack you in turn.”
Decidedly…no one wants to go there!
